How to Crop a Video in Windows 11: Not as Tricky as It Seems
Cropping Your Video in Windows 11
Start menu. I’ve done this a few times and ended up in the wrong folder, so double-check what you’re opening. Just a heads-up.
Open the Video
Go to Edit
Edit & Create. A menu will drop down with options for editing.
Choose “Trim”, “Crop”, or whichever tool suits your needs.
Select Your Cropping Tool
If you’re aiming to focus on a particular area within the frame, pick the crop icon — often a square with corner handles ready to drag. For more precise aspect ratios — say, 16:9 — you might want to explore third-party options like VLC Media Player or Shotcut. But for simple cuts, the Photos app should do the trick.
Adjust the Crop Area
Save Your Cropped Video
Save a copy or Save as — don’t overwrite the original file by accident. It’s always a good idea to give the new version a fresh name, just in case.
Quick Tips for Cropping in Windows 11
- VLC Media Player offers cropping options via
Tools > Crop. - Shotcut and DaVinci Resolve are excellent choices for serious editing projects.
- Keep an eye on quality — cropping too much can result in a grainy or pixelated look. Starting with a high-resolution original is always best.
Ctrl + D to duplicate your videos can save you hassle later on.
Common Questions About Cropping Videos
Will cropping reduce my video quality?
Can I crop without third-party software?
Absolutely. The Photos app handles basic cropping quite well. For anything more advanced, you might want to explore other tools.
Is there a file size limit when cropping in the Photos app?
HandBrake to compress or process your videos efficiently.
Can I change the aspect ratio while cropping?
Yes, the Photos app offers some preset ratios in its crop menu. For more flexible options, programs like Shotcut or DaVinci Resolve give you full control.
What if I regret cropping the video?
If you’ve overwritten your original, it’s tough to undo. Always back up your files before editing. A quick way is to right-click the file, select Copy, then Paste — keeping the original safe just in case.
Wrapping Up
HandBrake or FFmpeg are great for more heavy-duty editing in the future. Mastering cropping makes producing polished videos much easier — whether it’s for fun or a professional project. The main motto? Save before you edit, and keep that backup handy.